So I am succumbing to the CA DMV and putting a front plate on my 2009 XJ...such a shame the front end is just too nice, however I have the Jag plate holder that sits between the two grilles, there are three screw holes ..I'm a little nervous about just screwing into the bumper there....the parking sensors are out to the left and right....my question is, is it safe to just bolt this plate straight to the bumper? are there electrics/wiring inside the bumper I should be worried about....I see XJ's with these plates on all the time.....I just want to get a couple other opinions.

Cheers!

 

Should be fine, any wiring in the front that runs left or right should be behind the bumper reinforcement (the rear bumper), not between the bumper skin and the reinforcement. And FWIW the dealer just screws it right to the bumper with self tapping screws.

 

Best option here:

 

I thought rivets were used to secure the plate bracket to the bumper. I know that is what was called for both my 00 S Type and 04 X350.

 

Been working at dealers for over 20 years, what's called for and whats used are two different things. Plastic rivets will require a larger hole, self tapping screws could strip if over tightened. That said I'll bet I've installed over 400 front plates over the years. Like everything in life, YMMV.